Vinicius Jr’s future at Real Madrid is once again a hot topic, as the Brazilian star has reportedly turned down the club’s first contract extension offer.

Despite being a key player for Los Blancos, negotiations haven’t gone as smoothly as expected, with the winger pushing for a salary that reflects his elite status in world football.

Real Madrid’s Offer Falls Short

Real Madrid is eager to lock Vinicius Jr into a new long-term contract, given his massive impact on the team.

His current deal, signed in 2022, runs until 2027 and includes a jaw-dropping €1 billion (£830m) release clause—essentially a “hands-off” warning to any club eyeing their superstar.

However, talks between Madrid and the 24-year-old’s representatives have hit an early roadblock.

According to reports, the club’s first offer wasn’t enough to convince Vinicius Jr to put pen to paper.

His camp is reportedly looking for a salary boost that properly reflects his place among the world’s top footballers.

Salary Dispute and Interest from Saudi Arabia

Currently, Vinicius Jr earns around £12.5m per year after taxes, a figure that now puts him on par with Kylian Mbappe, who arrived in Madrid from PSG last year.

But with the rising wages of football’s elite players, the Brazilian believes he deserves a bigger paycheck.

Adding fuel to the fire, Saudi Arabian clubs are once again circling.

Talks between Vinicius Jr’s camp and Saudi representatives reportedly restarted in December, following initial discussions over the summer.

The Saudi Pro League, known for its massive financial offers, could make Vinicius Jr the highest-paid player in the world if he decided to make the switch.

Real Madrid Faces Tough Decision

Real Madrid is well aware of the growing external interest and has already moved to try and secure Vinicius Jr’s future.

The club reportedly requested a sit-down meeting with his representatives and family in mid-January, hoping to iron out a deal that satisfies both sides.

However, their initial proposal was swiftly rejected, and negotiations are expected to continue in the coming months.

A Star with an Impressive Legacy

Since arriving from Flamengo in 2018 for £37.5m, Vinicius Jr has cemented himself as a generational talent at Real Madrid.

With 293 appearances, 101 goals, and 83 assists to his name, he has played a crucial role in securing multiple trophies, including two La Liga titles, two Champions League victories, and two FIFA Club World Cups.

His individual accolades are just as impressive.

In 2024, he was crowned FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year, though he controversially missed out on the Ballon d’Or, which went to Manchester City’s Rodri.

What’s Next for Vinicius Jr?

With negotiations still ongoing, the ball is now in Real Madrid’s court.

The club must decide whether to meet Vinicius Jr’s salary demands or risk losing one of their biggest stars to the ever-growing financial power of the Saudi Pro League.

Either way, this contract saga is far from over.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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